Rosemont, Ill. • Quarterback J.J Raternik was 19 of 33 for 281 yards and four touchdowns as the Chicago Rush clinched a berth in the Arena Football League playoffs with a 59-35 win over the Utah Blaze on Friday.

The Blaze (7-8) rallied to tie the game 28-28 late in the second quarter, but soon fizzled after starting quarterback Tommy Grady left the game with an injury. The absence of Grady allowed the Rush defense to stifle one of the highest scoring offenses in the league. Chicago (11-4) came up with two critical interceptions during the second half.

"I was proud that we were able to hold them to just 35 points," Rush coach Bob McMillen said.

Blaze receiver Aaron Lesue had two TDs in the first quarter and finished the game with 10 catches for 126 yards and three touchdowns.